2021 NFL Team Mock Draft: Miami Dolphins
With the 3rd overall pick Miami Dolphins, we find ourselves in a similar situation to our previous mock draft with the New York Jets. While an 8 win gap between the two teams, both teams enter the draft process still figuring out their quarterback situation moving forward. There have been suggestions for the Dolphins to move on from Tua and to draft a quarterback such as Justin Fields or Zach Wilson. There have also been rumors of a potential Deshaun Watson trade. Assuming the role of general manager Chris Grier, here is my 2021 Dolphins mock draft.
Round 1:
3rd Overall: Devonta Smith, WR Alabama
Despite Justin Fields sitting there at pick three, the Dolphins have made it clear all offseason that Tua is the guy. Tua Tagovailoa was drafted coming off of a major injury, and it would be ridiculous to give up on him after selecting him 5th overall this past draft. Instead of bailing on him, let’s get him some help. Devonta Smith was the first Heisman winner at wide receiver in decades and will further prove himself to the Dolphins organization at the Senior Bowl. He was arguably the top weapon for Tua during his last year at Alabama, and will be an immediate addition to a receiver room that needs a true #1 weapon.
18th Overall: Zaven Collins, LB Tulsa
There were two players that were heavily considered at 18. Christian Darrisaw, the left tackle from Virginia Tech, was in the running to be a Dolphin. He has the size, strength, and mobility to be a potential franchise tackle. He’ll do very well for Pittsburgh, who took him 24th overall. The Dolphins just drafted Austin Jackson 18th overall last year knowing that he was a project guy. He wasn’t nearly a finished product. It didn’t make sense to me to replace last year’s first-round pick, especially when the Bednarik award winner Zaven Collins was still there. Collins is a big physical outside linebacker that can drop back into coverage, as well as rush the passer. He has great athleticism for being 260 pounds and I think could be the heir apparent to Kyle Van Noy.
Round 2:
35th Overall, Jalen Mayfield OT Michigan
We’re going to take advantage of the versatility of last year’s 2nd round pick Robert Hunt, kicking him inside and drafting a potential franchise right tackle in Jalen Mayfield. Tua needs someone to protect his blindside, and being a lefty quarterback that right tackle needs to be great. Jalen Mayfield took tremendous strides in 2020 and showed the makings of a dominant lineman. Yes, he only played two games last year, but he looked like a first round caliber player in those two games. He moves people in the run game, and can make blocks out in space. He developed greatly as a pass blocker, with good agility and anchor strength. He has a bit of a way to go in terms of technique, it’s inconsistent but improving. As a prospect, Jalen Mayfield is too good to pass up on at 35.
50th Overall: Javonte Williams, RB North Carolina
We luck out greatly with our pick at 50, taking the other candidate for our previous pick in North Carolina running back Javonte Williams. Myles Gaskin is good but nothing really special. Javonte Williams played like a game-changing running back this past year at North Carolina, and can help Tua out greatly. Williams was one of the toughest backs to tackle in college, mixing physical tackle-breaking with agility and elusiveness. He can either make you miss, or run right through you. He’s a true three-down back, with the ability to catch the ball, as well as deliver devastating blocks.
Round 3:
81st Overall: Marvin Wilson, DT Florida State
Marvin Wilson is simply too good to still be here at 81. We add another highly touted defensive line prospect to play with former 1st round pick Christian Wilkins and former 2nd round pick Raekwon Davis. Marvin Wilson has phenomenal physical traits, and is one of the hardest defensive tackles to move in this draft. He has tremendously violent hands, and his good athleticism gives him pass-rushing potential alongside his rock solid run defense. Brian Flores gets another tough player on his defense.
Round 4: Anthony Schwartz, WR Auburn
Tua Tagovailoa did best at Alabama with speedy receivers. Henry Ruggs ran a 4.27. Jerry Jeudy ran a 4.45. Jaylen Waddle’s time should be pretty close to Ruggs’ time, long story short get Tua some fast receivers. Anthony Schwartz is extremely fast. A high school track star, Schwartz was named the 2017-2018 Gatorade National Boys Track and Field Player of the Year after his insane 10.09 100 meter dash. Schwartz is one of the fastest athletes in college and has the potential of a great deep threat for the Dolphins. He can track deep throws and has nice hands. He’s raw and not the most physical or technical player, but defenses have to be aware whenever Schwartz is on the field.
Round 6:
198th Overall: Jermar Jefferson, RB Oregon State
We took Javonte Williams earlier in the draft, and I feel that Jermar Jefferson could be a useful complement. Jefferson is a home run threat, someone that can make the most out of limited touches. He is useful in the passing game and on 3rd downs as well. Javonte Williams worked well at North Carolina alongside Michael Carter, and while Jefferson isn’t the player Carter is, he can do well in a change of pace role.
203rd Overall: Shane Buechele, QB SMU
I am a big believer in taking a quarterback late in the draft. A solid backup is extremely important to have, and being able to get one for cheap is always great. I think Shane Buechele can be a good solid backup in the NFL. He makes good smart decisions with the football and has good short accuracy. He isn’t going to wow anybody with his arm or his mobility, but if his name is ever called he’s not going to single-handedly mess everything up. Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t going to be on this team forever (most likely) and Buechele could potentially be Tua’s backup for the future.
Round 7
255th Overall: Jacoby Stevens, LB/S LSU
I do not believe that Jacoby Stevens will be as low as the 255th pick after this year's Senior Bowl. I don’t believe even prior to the Senior Bowl he goes this low. Until something changes and other teams start taking him, my 7th round pick will continue to be the Jacoby Stevens pick. Stevens has good versatility and I believe has a home as an outside linebacker in the league. I believe he’s a late-round guy that can 100% stick on the roster.
Writer
-By: Jacob Keppen